Movies in 3D

Disney’s new animated fim, “Meet the Robinsons,” is among a growing parade of films that will be shown in 3D at cineplexes around the country.

That’s 3D, as in the plastic glasses and exploding fireworks that seem to leap off the screen.

Some 700 theaters are playing “Meet the Robinsons,” which opened today, in 3D. By the end of the year, nearly 1,000 theaters are expected to be equipped with 3D technology.

The shift comes as Hollywood tries to draw audiences back to the movie theater, particularly as more and more consumers wait for the DVD so they can enjoy it on their home entertainment systems instead. Seeing a film in 3D isn’t available — for now at least — on DVD.

Certainly, that’s what Disney is betting on. The Walt Disney Animation Studio’s next computer-animated film, currently titled “American Dog,” will also be produced in 3D. And future computer-animated films from the studio (this does not include Emeryville’s Pixar, which was acquired by Disney last year, or Disney’s traditional 2D animated films) will also be made in stereoscopic 3D.

“It’s the way of the future,” said Kyle Odermatt, a computer graphics supervisor for Disney who was part of the 3D team for “Meet the Robinsons.” “We feel this is the future of the theatrical movie-going experience. We think movies going forward will be made this way.”

James Cameron of “Titanic” fame is also in the process of filming a movie, “Avatar,” in 3D. Two years ago, Disney’s “Chicken Little” was presented in 3D in select theaters; “Meet the Robinsons” is the first Disney film to be made, pretty much from the beginning, with 3D technology in mind.

What’s key is capturing the shots with two cameras (positioned closely together) instead of one, which creates the 3D effect.

In “Meet the Robinsons,” the noteable 3D effects include a fireworks display, flying saucers and a frog sticking his tongue out to catch some food. But 3D technology is used “100 percent” throughout the film, although movie goers might not notice it all the time. And that’s what its creators want.

“The biggest compliment we receive is people forget they’re watching it in 3D,” Odermatt said. “They get lost in the movie. That’s what we’re hoping for. We don’t want to pull you out of the movie.”

Incidentally, this is the first Disney film to be produced with Pixar’s John Lasseter’s influence. An executive producer of the movie, Lasseter came on board after Disney acquired Pixar last year.